Everton are reportedly plotting an audacious swoop for Alexis Sanchez, with the Arsenal forward also on the radar of Manchester City.
According to a report by The Sun, Everton are set to make a shock £30 million move for Alexis Sanchez, with owner Farhad Moshri keen to continue splashing the bucks in the winter transfer window. Manchester City are also vying to sign the Chilean forward, having failed to land him in the summer.
Sanchez has been in a contract standoff with Arsenal for well over a year now, with the Gunners aiming to tie him down to a bumper new contract. In fact, the player appeared set to leave the North London club to join Manchester City, before the move failed to materialise on the deadline day of the summer transfer window.
Back at Arsenal now, the Chilean has blown hot and cold, having also struggled with fitness troubles so far this season. Meanwhile, the Gunners are still aiming to get Sanchez to commit to a new deal, although their attempts are unlikely to bear fruit.
In fact, Arsene Wenger has even admitted to the fact that Arsenal could be resigned to losing the 28-year-old for free next summer. Indeed, Sanchez would be free to negotiate with clubs in January, but Everton are willing to splash the cash to secure his services in January.
Some reports in England are saying that Everton are going to bid £30m for Alexis Sanchez in January #AFC #EFC ? pic.twitter.com/iNX6yf2y7W
— Premier Tanzania (@PremierTanzania) October 30, 2017
Owner Farhad Moshiri has already spent a significant amount of money since acquiring the club, with the Toffees being one of the biggest spenders this past summer. But the summer spending has not amounted to much thus far, with Everton mired in a shock relegation battle that also saw Ronald Koeman lose his job.
Moshiri, though, is eager to continue spending the big bucks in order to improve his club’s standing in the Premier League, thereby setting his sights on Sanchez. But, Everton face stiff competition from Manchester City in pursuit of the player as well.
Pep Guardiola already has a gamut of attacking superstars in his squad, but is keen on adding Sanchez as well to create a potentially unstoppable attacking force. But while he would like to sign the Chilean in January in a cut-price deal, the Manchester City boss is also prepared to wait till next summer to sign him on a free transfer.
Reports have suggested that the Citizens are unwilling to go beyond £20 million for Sanchez, but Everton are set to test the waters with a £30 million bid. Sanchez, though, is unlikely to favour a move to Goodison Park as Champions League football is a priority.
Therefore, the ball seems to be in Manchester City’s court, and it remains to be seen if Everton manage to land Sanchez in a shock move. Arsenal, though, appear destined to lose Sanchez, either in January or next summer, and should be lining up replacements for the Chile international.
